THE LONDON TIMES: Shell to build pipeline despite threat to whales: “SHELL has vowed to press on with the construction of a $12 billion gas facility off Russia’s Far East coast, in spite of fears that it could endanger the world’s 100 grey whales. An independent scientific panel yesterday called for the company to suspend construction on Sakhalin II, until completion of further studies.” (ShellNews.net) 17 Feb 05

By Carl Mortished, International Business Editor

February 17, 2005  

SHELL has vowed to press on with the construction of a $12 billion gas facility off Russia’s Far East coast, in spite of fears that it could endanger the world’s 100 grey whales.

An independent scientific panel yesterday called for the company to suspend construction on Sakhalin II, until completion of further studies.

Environmental groups fear that Shell’s plans to lay sub-sea pipelines carrying oil and gas from platforms off Sakhalin Island may affect feeding grounds, and that noise and disruption from the development will kill the remaining whales.

Shell yesterday said that it welcomed recommendations in the report, but Ian Craig, the chief executive of Sakhalin Energy Investment Company, dismissed the need for further delay. “We don’t think that impartial observers would think that would be necessary.”

The scientific panel says that if suspension is not possible the company should monitor impact on the whales. “The report gives us comfort that we can find a solution,” said Mr Craig.

The budget for Sakhalin II has so far risen from $10 billion to $12 billion.